Federal cabinet approves enhanced penalties over violation of Ehtram-i-Ramazan Ordinance

E-Paper | May 02, 2026

The federal cabinet on Monday ratified the Ehtram-i-Ramazan (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which seeks to enhance penalties for violation of Ehtram-i-Ramazan Ordinance, Radio Pakistan reported.

It also called for the closure of cinemas and theaters during the fasting hours.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, also approved the amendment in the schedule of FIA Act, 1974.

After the amendment, certain offences under Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) committed through cyber/electronic means systems would be included in the schedule of FIA Act, 1974, read a statement issued by the PM House.

Know more: Ramazan ordinance gives more powers to policemen

Ehtram-i-Ramazan Ordinance bars people from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the fasting hours. Under the ordinance, the restaurants and hotels are not allowed to serve or sell food during fasting hours.

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Pakistan

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Ramazan ordinance gives more powers to policemen

Four held for violating Ramazan ordinance in Rawalpindi

Zoyayameen

Jan 16, 2018 09:52pm

But then what about non Muslims?? Where do they go for eating? I mean restaurants and like shouldn't be close plus it'd detrimental to people's businesses and state economics.

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SHAHID SATTAR

Jan 16, 2018 10:29pm

How about the t.v. shows which go on while people are fasting, resulting in the breaking of fast by some participants who are totally exhausted. Apart from that the hooliganism carried on during the tenure of such events it virtually becomes impossible to retain the sanctity of the fast.

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Tariq, Lahore

Jan 16, 2018 10:43pm

There should be exemptions for persons of other faiths and tourism. Being too rigid is not a good policy as faith should be between the beliver and his/her maker!

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Fahd

Jan 16, 2018 10:43pm

close them all for good not only ramadan.. right decision nevertheless.

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Ahmed khan ahmed

Jan 16, 2018 10:47pm

Good step. Till the time we ourselves don't respect our religious values, no one else respect them.

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kamal

Jan 16, 2018 11:04pm

This nation is going backward when the whole world is moving forward.

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Hassan (Karachi)

Jan 16, 2018 11:31pm

Utter madness, have we such a short memory that we forgot the over 1200-1300 people that died in Karachi in 2015 Ramzan. Have we forgotten the elderly man who was beaten by a Policeman for drinking/eating in front of him. This is unacceptable. We need to move towards tolerance, not more intolerance.

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a khan

Jan 17, 2018 12:23am

It would be better If they devote their energies to improving the justice system and making new laws to keep pace with the times.

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Hamed Quraishi

Jan 17, 2018 12:42am

People can work in factories ! But if they are not strong enough to fast (or non Muslims ) and want to eat there , then they will be punished . Great !

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Ahsan Gul

Jan 17, 2018 04:05am

Good Islamic step. But what about the foreigners, sick and disabled people? Did the bill clearly defined guidelines how to handle these situations? If you guys foot some resolution then please always define exceptions.

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Ahsan Gul

Jan 17, 2018 06:19am

Come up with a comprehensive policy with exceptions to the rules for foreigners, sick and any other conditions. You senators are quick to formulate incomplete polices. Policies and rules must cover all and known and unknown conditions. Sincerely

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Pakistani tujhey salaam

Jan 17, 2018 08:24am

A good Ordinance, it will be more appreciated if the punishment for taking graft or doing corruption in Ramadan be also enhanced.

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ADNAN AZIZ

Jan 17, 2018 09:30am

Do these Parliamentarians ever fast ? I don't think so. Why are they trying to act like Mullahs? There are already restrictions in place. What more do they want? Don't they have any other issue to tackle? O Mullacracy ! I have lost all hope for this country.

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ADNAN AZIZ

Jan 17, 2018 01:10pm

@a khan : that is exactly what they don't want and there focus on such things.

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ADNAN AZIZ

Jan 17, 2018 01:14pm

@Hassan (Karachi) : Yes. Further, is there any law in this country that is followed and implemented? None.

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